Ideally, since this is my first post in quite some time, I’d write this really warm and witty piece addressed to all my potential readers both old and new. I’d reintroduce myself and the newsletter with a bunch of quirky GIFs and pop culture references that nobody really finds amusing except me. The truth is, I don’t have time for any of that and I don’t know how to embed GIFs on this platform.
So, I’m just going to dive right in. If you’re new here - check out one of my favorite older pieces here. It’s a nice introduction to: who I am, why I write, and my slightly self-deprecating sense of humor and brutal honesty.
Typically, my posts have been more long-from blog entries, but I’d like to try to move towards a traditional newsletter format. Each newsletter will include a brief update on what’s going on in my life, a “hot take” on something timely or a call to action, and perhaps a tip, trick, or recommendation to close out. Kinda like this:
What’s New
This will be easier to tackle when it’s been weeks in between newsletters and not months. Here’s a bulleted list of some noteworthy things that have transpired since I wrote last (which was in April).
In May, I went to Marco Island with my girlfriends for our 40th bdays and instead of being an anxious mess the entire time, I had an absolute blast.
In June, Kenny & I bought a house. Aside from the financial kick to the balls, this also didn’t induce as much stress as my overactive amygdala had me anticipating. The move went incredibly well and our new home felt like home almost immediately.
In September, Katherine turned 3 (🥹) and started preschool (🥲) and began dabbling in a very unique form of emotional terrorism that is sometimes referred to as “being a threenager” (😒).
CURRENTLY, Germs abound, and for an anxious mom, that’s no bueno. No joke, my biggest fear going into motherhood was the thought of dealing with sickness. It seems so trite and (quite literally) unavoidable, thus - why waste time worrying about it right? Wrong. I can’t help it. However, when faced with a harsh reality: Katherine having trouble breathing and subsequently being diagnosed with asthma and allergies - I’m proud of myself for not doing what I always imagine myself doing: running away.
Oh yeah, one more thing. Katherine, Kenny, and I were photographed by a professional for the first time since she was an infant. We had fun and the pictures came out pretty spectacular.
Call to Action
I’m a big fan of mutual aid. Grassroots efforts to get people in need exactly what they need is a beautiful thing. Here are some ways you can contribute this holiday season to some of my favorite mutual aid efforts.
Merrimack Valley Black & Brown Voices
Recommendation
I’ve been reading a lot lately so I decided to get back on Goodreads AND also set up some booklists on Bookshop. You’ll be able to find recommendations a plenty on both of those platforms - as well as on my Instagram account. If you’re someone who purchases books (as opposed to using the library), you can purchase through Bookshop. If you purchase from within one of my booklists, you’ll see they contain affiliate links, which means I earn a teeny tiny bit of cash when you buy using those links. Just saying :)
In conclusion (lol), I realize this was all a bit underwhelming. Nothing earth-shattering or hilarious, but I had to rip the band-aid off and type something up real quick before I lost the will to do so. I hope you’ll stick around. I really do have quite a bit I’d love to share with you all.
xoxo,
Ari
Family photo by Candice J Photo